Elementary School teacher moving to KC (Kansas City, North Kansas City: job market, school district, budget)

[mdtyler]

Hi everybody,

I know that Kansas City School District is pretty much failing, but I was wondering what the job market looks like for teachers in KC. Which suburbs would be good to look in? I read a little about North Kansas City School District, is that a good place to work? I am very interested in Progressive private or charter schools any suggestions? Thank you

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

What would define a Progressive school?

What comes to mind to me for a "progressive" private school would be Kansas City Academy in south KC. For charters, Académie Lafayette and Crossroads Academy. Would Montessori be considered progressive? If so, then Border Star in Brookside. However, all of these schools are in KC, not the suburbs.

[mdtyler]

Thanks,
Yes Montessori is considered progressive, I prefer in KC but I had read there schools are so bad I was nervous. Progressive usually means less traditional Montessori, Experiential, waldorf.

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

Yes, the majority of the schools in the KCMO district are in bad shape, but there are a handful of schools that are held in high esteem, with Border Star Montessori and Académie Lafayette (French immersion charter) generally being at the top of the list.

[TabulaRasa]

Kansas City Academy is pretty progressive, an expeditionary learning school, and it's independent, not part of the KCMO district (which is a fairly geographically small district). It is, however, grades 6-12. The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a relatively new urban charter school run by the philanthropic Kauffman Foundation, in response to the poorly performing KCMO district's woes.

[pacificwhim]

Plus there are several proposals on the table that will change how the KCPS are run, including possible state takeover as well as a radical proposal by Indianapolis-based CEE-Trust which sounds very interesting. My wife is a counselor in the district and it's full of challenges and coming changes, so you might want to keep an eye on the local media as things play out.

[ProspectiveTransplant]

As for the suburbs, just to let you know upfront, hiring is very rough on the Kansas side because of Gov. Brownback's significant budget cuts (not trying to start a political argument here but it is more than fair to let the OP know this). I've been struggling myself to find a teaching job in the area.

[TabulaRasa]

I worked for a private school (MO side, student body from both states), and had no problems, but it was also specialized.

[mdtyler]

Thank you everyone for your input I will definitely look into some of the schools, and keep an eye on KCPS. I am already certified in MO so probably not interested in Kansas side.

[TabulaRasa]

Center School District is not great, but is better at the elementary level than secondary. It serves a chunk of south KC, and isn't in as bad of shape as KCMO District.